Extreme heat is putting our food systems at risk. Farmers are finding it hard to work, livestock are stressed, and crop yields are dropping. The UN warns that more than a billion lives are in jeopardy.
Reports show that heatwaves are becoming more common, affecting agriculture on land and at sea. This is stressing food supplies to breaking point. Regions like India, Central America, and sub-Saharan Africa are particularly hard hit. In some areas, farmers may struggle to work safely for over 250 days a year.
Livestock, too, are suffering. Heat stress starts at just 25°C, causing higher mortality rates. For dairy cows, extreme temperatures decrease both milk yield and quality. Other animals like pigs and chickens are also at risk, facing severe health issues as temperatures rise.
Crops are not faring well either. Yields decline when temperatures exceed 30°C, which can weaken plants and produce toxins. For crops like maize and wheat, yields have already fallen by about 10%. With climate change projections, these numbers are likely to worsen.
The ocean is feeling the heat as well. Harmful temperature rises lower oxygen levels in water and lead to declines in fish populations.
However, there are ways to help. Experts suggest that better warning systems could significantly aid farmers. Utilizing weather forecasts and mobile alerts could prepare them for extreme weather.
Richard Waite from the World Resources Institute emphasizes the need to adapt now. Giving farmers the right tools and early warnings can help them face extreme conditions. He stresses that without adaptation, food production could fall, prompting further land use changes that would worsen climate issues.
Morgan Ody, a farmer and coordinator of La Via Campesina, echoes this sentiment. She highlights the vulnerability of agricultural workers, especially women and the elderly, to extreme heat. Ody calls for support, including compensation for losses and investment in safer working conditions. She advocates for more sustainable farming practices.
Molly Anderson, a food studies professor, also critiques our reliance on narrow crops in industrial farming. She warns of the risks posed by extreme heat to food prices and supply chains. Anderson suggests diversifying our food systems to better withstand shocks and insists on a shift toward renewable energy.
In conclusion, extreme heat endangers food systems globally. Immediate action is needed to adapt and create resilience in our agricultural practices.
For more insights, check the original article by Fiona Harvey here.
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